We all have bad habits that we try to break, like biting our nails, sleeping in too late, or driving on empty
. While some of these can just be a nuisance in our everyday life, others can have long-lasting effects on things around us. This is particularly true for many of the bad habits we have with our cars. Depending on how long you've been driving, certain habits can be deeply ingrained in us and pretty hard to get rid of.
Jerry
, the super app
that helps you save on auto insurance
, is breaking down 10 of the worst habits for your car. Continue reading to learn just how much damage can be done if you race over speed bumps.RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
10 bad habits that are hurting your car
Some bad car habits are things we’ve been told to avoid since the first time we sat behind the wheel. Others are small things we do every now and then without realizing how damaging they can be.
Here are 10 of the most common bad habits that aren’t good for your car.
Driving on empty
Critical parts, such as your car's fuel pump, are not meant to function without fuel. The fuel pump is contained in the gas tank and uses fuel to cool and lubricate the pump's mechanics. But if you drive your vehicle on empty, the pump may overheat, resulting in a pricey failure.
The gas tank must normally be drained and removed to replace the pump, meaning this time-consuming repair could cost up to $1,000.
Delaying routine maintenance
To keep your car in good form, every automaker recommends following a regular maintenance schedule
. In the short term, it may feel like missing an oil change, air filter replacement, or tire rotation is harmless. But doing these preventative maintenance jobs now can spare you from having to make major, expensive repairs later on. Ignoring warning lights
Modern cars include a plethora of warning lights
, each of which serves to alert you to a specific issue with your vehicle. Ignoring these warning lights may result in a costly repair down the line. Depending on the nature of the issue, it may even compromise the safety of you and your passengers. When your car's check engine light comes on, turn to your owner's manual for further details about what might be going on. And if necessary, take your car to a certified mechanic.
Revving a cold engine
While getting into a chilly car in the morning isn’t ideal, there aren’t any real shortcuts to speedily warm up your vehicle. You should never rev your engine to heat up your car quicker.
This will just result in excessive wear and tear on your engine, as cold engine oil isn't at the proper temperature to lubricate all of its internal components.
Driving through deep water
You may be inclined to drive straight through any type of flooding, including big puddles of groundwater if you come across it. However, the wisest (and safest) course of action is to turn around and find another route.
Driving through deep water can cause your vehicle's engine, transmission, and other vital components to be damaged or destroyed. It may even permanently damage your car's complicated electrical system. Thanks to this long-term damage, insurance companies frequently consider a flooded vehicle a total loss
. Failing to check tire pressure
Checking your tire pressure is one of the simplest car maintenance tasks to overlook. Running your tires below the manufacturer's recommended air pressure can result in a variety of issues, ranging from premature or uneven tire wear to poor handling and fuel economy.
Tire pressure should be checked once a month, according to experts.
Riding the brakes
Your car's brakes are a key safety feature, but too much braking or braking too hard can compromise the system and lead to long-term effects. More braking means pads and rotors wear out faster, requiring more frequent service. Excessive braking also reduces fuel economy, so you can expect to pay extra at the pump.
Shifting without completely stopping
If you drive an automatic car, you may sometimes switch from "reverse" to "drive" while still in motion. Even if you're moving backward slowly, switching gears without stopping will strain your car’s powertrain, specifically the transmission. Those few seconds saved aren’t worth a $2,000+ repair job to prematurely service your transmission.
Driving too quickly over speed bumps
Slowly driving over speed bumps won't harm your car, but hitting a speed bump at 10 mph+ can do some serious damage. A speed bump's sudden contact could ruin your shocks and struts, bend suspension components, or misalign your car.
Ignoring a chip in your windshield
Leaving a windshield chip increases the risk of further damage. Weather changes or driving over a pothole, speed bump, or uneven terrain puts pressure along the edge of the chip and could lead to a crack.
A chip repair is far cheaper than a windshield replacement and usually takes under 30 minutes. So, why risk it?
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